Stecker, 33, has spent his entire career in the NFC South, doing stints with Tampa Bay and New Orleans, and carried a career-high 114 times for the Saints in 2007. Stecker could fill a backup role behind Michael Turner in Atlanta and he also has return abilities and can fill in for Norwood in that area.

Stecker's presence also will allow backup running back Jason Snelling to move to fullback if Mughelli is out for an extended period.

The Falcons also placed rookie safety William Moore, a second-round pick from Missouri, on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Glenn Sharpe was put on the practice squad-injured list safety Eric Brock was signed to the practice squad.

NFL blogger Pat Yasinskas covers the NFC South for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.